At a Glance
- T.K. Carter, actor known for The Thing and Punky Brew, dies at 69
- Found dead in Duarte, CA home; no foul play suspected
- Career spanned 50+ years from 1970s TV to 2023
- Why it matters: Carter leaves legacy of memorable supporting roles across decades of TV and film
T.K. Carter, the veteran character actor who appeared in dozens of TV and film projects from the 1970s through 2020s, has died. He was 69.
The Discovery
Carter was found dead in his Duarte, California home on January 9, 2026. The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department responded to a call at approximately 5:42 p.m. and located the actor deceased. Authorities stated no foul play was suspected in the death.
Career Highlights
Carter’s extensive filmography includes numerous memorable roles across five decades:
- 1970s: Early TV appearances on Police Woman, The Waltons, The Jeffersons
- 1982: Breakthrough role as Nauls the cook in The Thing
- 1985: Dave Prince in Runaway Train
- 1980s: Recurring role as Mike Fulton on Punky Brewster
- 1996: Voice role as Nawt in Space Jam
- 2000s: The Corner, various smaller films
- 2010s: How to Get Away with Murder, Everybody Hates Chris
- 2020s: Stumptown, Dave, final appearance on The Company You Keep (2023)
Early Beginnings
Born December 14, 1956, in Los Angeles, Carter began performing at age 12 with stand-up routines. He continued developing his craft through:
- Theater work in high school
- Neil Simon’s The Odd Couple production
- Comedy Store performances
- Improvisation Cafe and Ye Little Club
Legacy
Carter’s career demonstrates remarkable longevity, transitioning from child performer to veteran character actor. His roles ranged from horror films to family comedies, establishing him as reliable supporting presence across multiple entertainment eras.
Key Takeaways
- T.K. Carter maintained 50+ year career from child performer to veteran actor
- Appeared in iconic films The Thing and Space Jam
- Television roles span multiple decades and genres
- Final performances continued into 2020s
The actor’s extensive body work represents significant contribution American television and film industry over five decades.
